Kidabaga - 4th CVP Visit

Partner: Faith, Forest Lake, Minn.
Tuesday January 27, 2009
Pastor: Joyce Ndangando

We met in Pastor Joyce’s house, and reviewed plot activities. There was a small group, five plus those from the Institute. The corn was planted on December 3 at the Kidebaga plot and December 16 at the Ilamba preaching point. They tried to replant in those spaces where a plant didn’t come up, but the lack of moisture hindered the germination and emergence of the replanted seed. The corn has been weeded one time since planting. They will weed once more before making the 2nd application of fertilizer to the corn.

Today we delivered 100 kg of NPK, 100 kg of CAN, and two 8 kg bags of Uyole Market seed. Insecticide (Thionex) was delivered in January.

We discussed the proper use of fertilizer, and the fact that we are using CAN instead of Urea because the pH is somewhat acidic. One attendee said that they have had problems in the past with fertilizer usage, resulting in reduced yields. We said that perhaps they didn’t use the right kind of fertilizer or perhaps the fertilizer was placed too close to the seed.

The plot was a long way from the church and long way uphill and away from the road. We had to drive about ½ mile from the church, and then walk/climb a long ways up a hill to get to the plot. Once we got there it was on a very steep slope. I wonder how many people will see this plot and the improved farming practices we are trying to demonstrate, because of its remote location.

When we got to the plot the rows were 60 cm apart, or a little less. There was an average of 9 plants per 300 cm of row so the plants were about 33.3 cm apart.

Ibrahim demonstrated the placement of the second application of fertilizer (CAN) 5 cm on each side of the corn plants. The fertilizer should be placed 5 cm, the distance between the second knuckle and the tip of the index finger, from the plant along side of the row and not in the row. Ibrahim demonstrated how to plant and fertilize the bean seeds. First dig a row or trench with the hoe by digging at 90 degrees to the direction of the trench. Place the bean seeds 9 cm apart, or about the width of one’s fist, and then place one cap of fertilizer between the bean seeds. Finally cover the bean seeds and fertilizer with soil. If there is any fertilizer left over it should be broadcast over the entire plot.

We asked if they have experienced any benefits from the teaching we have done and the demonstrations that have been conducted. Some of their responses were:
· Planting one seed instead of many seeds at the same place (hole). The corn in the demonstration plot which was planted one seed in each place looks very good.
· One farmer said he used to plant randomly, and now he plants in rows. This makes his plot easier to weed and apply insecticide.
· One farmer said they used to intercrop, and it was hard to weed. Now with one crop it is easier to weed, and they can cover a larger area in the same amount of time.

Photo link: http://www.flickr.com/photos/21557421@N08/sets/72157607713947014/detail/